Craftsman Premium Grade Ratchets

[The Muffin Man]

I think it is a step in the right direction for Sears and Craftsman

I would be very tempted to buy a ratchet or two once they go on sale.

 

[Unearthed]

Has anyone seen these in the stores yet?

I just picked up a 1/4, 3/8 and a 1/2 in sears today. Got the last 1/2.
The lady that rang me up said they've had them for about a week now, and they are selling very well.

 

[Skin]

I'm not sure if any hand operated ratchets are worth that much.

I find comments like this and about how they have to go on sale a bit funny since a lot of people here dont blink at dropping a c-note for a truck brand ratchet.

 

[Fedwrench]

I find comments like this and about how they have to go on sale a bit funny since a lot of people here dont blink at dropping a c-note for a truck brand ratchet.

It's not the cost of the ratchet. It's that time is money in flat rate land and that means air or cordless power tools. I spend more money on tools than food. I always feel though that nothing should be bought at list price from Sears because they have lots of sales and I'm cheap.

 

[Skin]

It's not the cost of the ratchet. It's that time is money in flat rate land and that means air or cordless power tools. I spend more money on tools than food. I always feel though that nothing should be bought at list price from Sears because they have lots of sales and I'm cheap.

i could say the same thing about screwdrivers which are so popular in discussions here. All i use are bits in battery drivers. Ratchets really do have their place though, or a driver with a clutch. Not a big fan of my air ratchets, loud and they have a tendancy to wedge my hand in places it should be. Still eyeballing one of those new Hammerheads. Guess it all depends on what you're doing with the tools.

 

[MN4x4]

If you want a deal on them now, add them all to your cart for a total of $ 189.97. Then add another item for $10.03 (or more) to get your total over $200, then use code HALLOWEEN to get $20 off your entire order.

Not a hge saving, but every little bit helps!

 

[Joe B.]

If you want a deal on them now, add them all to your cart for a total of $ 189.97. Then add another item for $10.03 (or more) to get your total over $200, then use code HALLOWEEN to get $20 off your entire order.

Not a hge saving, but every little bit helps!

Yup. Next week they are having 10% all tools with a Sears Card. There are lots of ways to get a discount at Sears. I'm inclined to wait till they go on sale and see with the discount price is.

There were a couple showing in inventory for store pickup at my local store on Sears.com but I did not see them in the actual store that same day. It seems like they have not made it out to the floor yet. (at least here)

 

[billymade]

Its not uncommon for the "on hand count" to be wrong on the computer inventory; so, I would call ahead to your local store and ask if they are in stock.

 

[Skin]

went to purchase online and said insufficient qty to ship, noticed the store 5 minutes away had 1 of each size in stock, or so it listed, so i bought them. Guess i'll find out tomorrow if it was vaporware when they go to pick them. Came out to $46 per ratchet. Not too bad i dont think.

Cant say i didnt do my part to support a "premium" craftsman line stamped proudly with USA.

I will of course post pictures if i get them tomorrow.

 

[zer0cell]

Some people here seem to be shocked/offended at the price of this new line. It's possible this could be an introductory price. It's also possible that they are priced higher because they are already EXPECTING people to use discounts and the higher price point may allow for a little better sales on the set. If you feel they are asking too much just wait for the sale... if you feel it is somewhat comparable to the truck brands then go ahead and get it if you like sears service better or want to save a little cash. Truck brands usually don't have sales right? To me it makes sense... but I guess what most of us want to know is if the quality is there... you know, for long-term use.

Also, this is kind of unrelated but do you guys ever worry about getting a knock off on ebay? I have been duped before into buying Knock-off Kleins... from the picture I saw they looked legit but when I got them, I was sure they were not...

 

[catfish]

Also, this is kind of unrelated but do you guys ever worry about getting a knock off on ebay? I have been duped before into buying Knock-off Kleins... from the picture I saw they looked legit but when I got them, I was sure they were not...

ebay is full of shysters selling cheap chinese **** now , you have to be alot more careful than you used to be

personally i don't use it as much nowdays , if i buy something it's from a reputable store where everything is genuine

 

[mrholeshot]

I find comments like this and about how they have to go on sale a bit funny since a lot of people here dont blink at dropping a c-note for a truck brand ratchet.

I think it's more the fear of the unknown. My thing with the New Craftsman Ratchets is I already know who makes these, already know that the same ratchet internals have been out there for a good many years now but with a few less teeth and they are Proud to mark them USA. Thats says alot. The fact that Craftsman has sold out in the last few years doesn't boost my confidence level as far as how long they will continue and improve. The fact still remains that for example the 1/2 ratchet is still 60 dollars cheaper than Snap-Ons S80. At least the Craftsman makes it clear where it comes from

 

[billymade]

Typically, I haven't seen Craftsman hand tools go down from when they are introduced (if anything I've seen them increase in price!); in the normal day to day pricing structure, sales however, are different story! The sales will definitely being in force during the holidays! With the thin profile line; they had a deal (all 3 in one package) which went on sale during christmas, time will tell if they decide to do this with the new premium line. However, considering how expensive they are, I doubt it; I guess it all depends on how aggressively they market them and want to get these out the door, in users hands! Other discount opportunities are: when their are the over all %'s off hand tools, look for "friends/family" during thanksgiving time frame, the black friday sale will typically not feature premium tool lines, but offer sale discounts can definitely be applied to hand tools, after christmas sales are particularly aggressive as well... keep your eyes peeled this holiday season! There will definitely be opportunities to guy these ratchets below the full retail price!

 

[Boosted1]

After reading this thread, I just went to local Sears to see the Ratchets.
They did not have any out, so I asked. The salesman said they just received some yesterday, but they were locked up. He said if I really wanted them he would go get them out of their cage. Of course I said I wanted them.
He found them about 5 minutes later.
I ended up buying all three. They gave me the 10% club discount. Said I was the first one to buy and they only had 2 sets at the time, so 1 left.
As for the product, they seem to be very nice and a good step up in precision from the next generation 60 tooth pieces. If the strength is on part with the precision and feel, I'd say this is a good deal.

 

[Old Donn]

Despite my earlier entry, I saw these in the local Sears this morning and succumbed to their call, at least the 1/4" and 3/8" drive. They seem smooth as a baby's backside and are all steel, even the selector. Time will tell.

 

[billymade]

Those are really low allocation amounts for the ratchets; doesn't seem like they are pushing them very hard... or could be low production quotas at this point. If I remember correctly; ratchets use to come around 12 to a box or so; for the normal raised panel ratchets. Onesies or twosies.... it doesn't quite make sense; I would think they would want a good stock of these for christmas! Go, figure!

 

[Skin]

The Apex rep said a few pages back that not every store will be getting them, i assume it will be based on how strong their sales are. Likewise since their so expensive [for the craftsman audience anyway] its probably more of a trial period thing. Order a couple, see what they do etc.. My store only had 1 of each which they ordered simply to evaluate them. I'll post some impressions in a moment, going to skim through and select some pics i took of them. Not all good news from me unfortunetly.

 

[Skin]

Alrighty so i went by my local store, they werent vaporware, they did indeed have 1 of each waiting for me.

First the bad, the 1/2" was a lemon. The selector sticks about halfway and the action itself is terrible [it only moves in one direction due to the stuck selector]. It could be that the spring is applying too much tension but i'm not about to snip it and start fooling with it. First its an $80 ratchet, its the principle, it should of been checked before it left the factory. Hopefully this is not going to be a sign of a trend of bad QC. You'd think since it was a new product QC would actually be at its tightest. Everyone has lemons so hopefully i'm just very unlucky. Second, i have other 1/2" ratchets so its not like i'm in a rush. I'll be expecting a complete replacement from sears.

Next, the nitpicking. There are also some dings and divots in the bodies [under the chrome] and the chrome was covered in oil from the factory giving them a rainbow streak appearance similar to the wrenches mrholeshot got. Basically they needed a good wipe down. Completely cosmetic but for the **** tool user, it may bother you. Again these are extremely expensive ratchets for Craftsman so honestly i'd expect something closer to perfection.

Lastly, the good. The 3/8 and 1/4 are very smooth, the selector offers no resistance unlike the borked 1/2". They're all very slim, and they feel quite solid. I put the 3/8" and 1/4" to work immediatly and like them quite a bit. I plan on using both full time in the shop. The chrome also feels good and thick. Its hard to explain but some tools you handle and the chrome feels like its about as thick as gold leaf. Not so with these. The cards are nice and offer a quick preview of their action. If Snap-On, MAC, Matco, etc... ratchets can fetch $80-$120+ then these are certainly worth their retail price. Divided by the trio i paid around $45 each.

On with the pics











Side by side with a 1/2" SK Tuff-1

 

[mrholeshot]

Thanks for those great photos. Is the main gear supported on the backside??

 

[Ben Iv]

I looked when I was there today and they didnt have any, guess I should have asked cause I would love to have a set.

 

[Skin]

Thanks for those great photos. Is the main gear supported on the backside??

It essentially rests on the raised portion in the middle of the head, tolerances are quite tight and there is no room for play with the pawl engaged. The pawl also gets supported by the side of the head. Basically there is no slop in the head at all for any of the components when assembled.

 

[mrholeshot]

Is there and indentation on the back of the gear where it rest on the raised portion??

 

[patrickw10]

will they continue to make the older thin ratchets with this out now?

 

[Skin]

Is there and indentation on the back of the gear where it rest on the raised portion??

 

[mrholeshot]

Thanks Skin, I'm really glad to see it supported on the back of the gear. I can't wait to get mine. The only thing I see that bother me is they call it a sealed head. I don't see a seal on the cover plate like my snap-ons. Thats a really solid looking case

 

[Skin]

The seal is simply the red O-Ring which i believe is the same as the GW, Matco, Armstrong etc.. ratchets. There is also a black O-Ring sealing the selector on the back. The plate itself seats into the housing recessed below the head quite tight so short of storing it in buckets of play sand i dont think it will get too dirty in there.

 

[Sterff]

Ill have to look for these when I go to sears tomorrow. I want the 1/4" the most.

 

[Flash21]

Great photos and details Skin.

On the packaging, I noticed two things:

1) They call out the Snap-On Dual 80 right on the back of the package. I've never seen anything Craftsman call out Snap-On.

2) I'm surprised they don't label these professional / premium / heavy duty or anything like that...no gimmicks I guess, just Craftsman.

 

[Wakefield]

So probably by not having a quick release it can be a little bit stronger?

 

[billymade]

Well, this quote; dispels any thought that they arn't trying to directly compete with professional tool brands:.."Reliable Advanced technology. Takes a simple approach to design, using 25% fewer components than Snap-On Dual 80" Plus, remember that our Danaher rep; had prototypes pictures side by side to Snap-On Dual 80s..... obviously, no mistakes there, in either case! The plot thickens! What do you think about them apples?

 

[Stuey]

Great photos and details Skin.

On the packaging, I noticed two things:

1) They call out the Snap-On Dual 80 right on the back of the package. I've never seen anything Craftsman call out Snap-On.

2) I'm surprised they don't label these professional / premium / heavy duty or anything like that...no gimmicks I guess, just Craftsman.

I have. They did this when advertising their new Pro screwdrivers a while back. Claimed that the Craftsman Pro drivers could exert more torque than Snap-on's.

 

[Skin]

So probably by not having a quick release it can be a little bit stronger?

As a rule ratchets made for use in the professional field dont usually have a quick release. It also would be another area where dirt and grime could enter.

will they continue to make the older thin ratchets with this out now?

Thin profiles? Dont see a reason why they would. Totally different price bracket not to mention a different tooth count. The new premium 1/2" ratchet alone costs as much as all 3 thin profiles.

 

[billymade]

They used to have a floor demo; when the thin profiles came out.... I believe they had pics comparing the "thinness" of the the ratchet head compared to Snap-On and other pro brands....
Although, I think that this "less parts" is kinda lame marketing; they should be promoting some sort of "benefit" to the use over the Dual 80s; come on, they have to be able to say some other then this (compared to Snap-On)! I think our resident Danaher rep; showed the ratchets being thinner.... why didn't they crow about that? Sears marketing has never been that great; I guess I shouldn't expect them to be any different now! Come on; get these ratchets out in the public, market them like crazy (effectively) and make more variations that all the pro's need, from stubby all the way up to 24" swivel head 1/2" ratchets!!!!!! I still think they should have a introductory promotion with a ratchet trade in program (the tool trucks do this!) which would give you a discount and get the new products in your customers hands.... MORE future sales! Are you LISTENING Danaher/Sears development and marketing teams?

 

[Sterff]

They should also say: Made in the USA unlike most of Snap-on's products.

 

[jrodc455]

I work in the stock room at Sears. We have em in stock and they seem like they're pretty solid.

 

[billymade]

jrodc455, what is the allocation so far? Are they coming in the normal boxes with everything else or are they coming in a separate sealed "case" like the standard, raised panel ratchets? The allocation seems very low! Any markings on the box to indicate who the oem is and where are they made?

 

[occ3377]

well i saw my store had the 1/2 and 3/8 in stock and i wanted to check them out so i went and picked em up.


then i thought i would show some comparison of the lengths
3/8 craftsman next to an f80 and fx80



1/2 craftsman next to a s80



and while i was out there took a pic of everyone hanging out

 

[MrMark]

Those internals looks identical to Gearwrench with the addition of the O ring. Thanks for the great pictures, Skin.

You can't lube these type internals with Super Lube. I found this out recently, as it is too sticky and makes the pawl stick to the side causing erratic operation and jamming. I remember the Armstrong guy saying as much, and stating that 3 in 1 oil works well. I just used some Break Free after I got the Super Lube out. 3 in 1 is pretty lame, if you ask me. I would prefer a more serious recommendation.

 

[ovilla]

Not impressed!

They had one of each at my local Sears. I tried them all out. 2 of them (the 1/4 and 3/8 drive) both binded up on me as I was just playing with them. I even reversed the travel on both and they seemed to work for a while and then binded up again in the other direction. The 1/2 ratchet worked the best but after a while of my playing with it, the selector jumped to the other direction on it's own - which was weird.

They were all a bit oily which is no big deal but the only other thing that bothered me a bit was their weight and squareness. I'm sure I could get used to it but I think I'm just more comfortable with round handles nowadays.

Anyway, for the price point, I'd rather go GearWrench or save up a few more pennies and get a truck tool brand. I will try these out again just to give them another chance.

 

[Skin]

certainly sounds like they need to keep a better eye on QC if thats true. The 1/2" i got was locked up completely, which again i think was because the pawl spring was too long. The volume on these is not high enough that they should be having problems like that yet though. How many people are going to crack them open and fix them their selves?

My 3/8 and 1/4 are fantastic though. They're going to work with me on monday. Will update if i have any issues but they seem fine in the brief use i put them through.

I complained about the handle as well and mentally prefer a knurled also but in use they're actually pretty comfortable. My least favorite is actually a skinny round polished handle but these, in addition to not being round, have some meat on them. Will be easy to clean also.